Tai Chi Group Research Articles

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Tai chi exercise training in older adults with metabolic syndrome.

IntroductionThe antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Tai chi (TC) exercise training in healthy older adults has been demonstrated. However, there are no studies on this effect in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS).PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of TC exercise on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in older adults with MetS.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was carried out with a sample of 110 older sedentary volunteers with clinical diagnoses of MetS: (i) a control group, n = 50, of individuals who do not participate in physical exercise, of which 37 fulfilled the entire study protocol, and (ii) an experimental group, n = 60, of subjects enrolled in a TC exercise training program (eight-form easy), 5 days a week for 6 months, in sessions of 50 min, under the supervision of a qualified instructor, of which 48 fulfilled the entire study protocol. We measured in both groups (pre- and post-intervention) the following cardiovascular parameters: resting heart rate (RHR), diastolic and systolic blood pressure (DBP and SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), RHR-SBP product, RHR-MAP product; glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c); oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, and oxidative stress score); and inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10).ResultsA statistically significant decrease in HbA1c concentration was observed in the TC group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This group also showed a statistically significant increase in TAS and a decrease in the oxidative stress score (p < 0.05). We did not observe changes in the cardiovascular parameters (RHR, DBP, SBP, MAP, RHR-SBP product, and RHR-MAP product) in the TC experimental group compared to the control group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the practice of TC exercise has an antioxidative and hypoglycemic effect in the elderly with MetS.

Tai Chi versus physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Purpose: Although few interventions effectively treat long-term pain and disability from knee osteoarthritis, some studies demonstrate that Tai Chi reduces symptoms. A single-blind randomized comparative effectiveness trial showed that Tai Chi yielded beneficial effects similar to those of a standard course of physical therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, so we aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of Tai Chi versus physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Based on between group differences of Tai Chi versus physical therapy in longitudinal models of an intention-to-treat analysis of all randomly assigned patients at baseline, 12, 24 and 52 weeks with a treatment interaction, we sampled from the confidence interval distributions of the differences at each time point. Using standard microeconomic methods, we developed a simulation model to estimate healthcare resource utilization (hospitalizations, inpatient, outpatient, testing, medications and nutraceutical use) and cumulative effectiveness outcomes (WOMAC pain, WOMAC function, Global Visual Analog Scale and SF36 pain component score) over 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and a year. To account for uncertainty in the results and estimates, we performed Monte Carlo simulations incorporating the uncertainty surrounding all estimates. We estimated physical therapy costs at $100 per session for 6 weeks twice a week and group Tai Chi classes at $25 per session at twice a week for 12 weeks and accounted for the adherence observed in the study. Results: In the 1000 simulations for 12, 24 and 52 weeks, Tai Chi was always less expensive than Physical Therapy, with mean (SD) savings of $289 (47) at 12 weeks, $648 (60) at 24 weeks and $1668 (112) after 52 weeks. The analysis was most sensitive to the cost of PT or Tai Chi. At $25 per session for Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy was cost-saving at 12 and 24 weeks, but Tai Chi was cost saving at 52 weeks. At $60 per session for Tai Chi, Physical Therapy was cost-saving at 12 weeks, but Tai Chi became cost-effective at 24 and 52 weeks. In terms of effectiveness for 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis, Tai Chi improved WOMAC pain (0-500) by 50,925 points over 12 weeks, 220,159 points over 24 weeks and 368,642 points over 52 weeks. Similarly, Tai Chi improved WOMAC function (0–1700) by 93,339 points over 12 weeks, 279,460 points over 24 weeks and 439,979 points over 52 weeks. Tai Chi improved Global Visual Analog Scale (0-10) by 1899 over 12 weeks, 5770 over 24 weeks and 12,724 over 52 weeks. Lastly, Tai Chi improved SF36 Physical Component Score (0-100) by 13,589 over 12 weeks, 44,197 over 24 weeks and 84,294 over 52 weeks. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that Tai Chi is cost-saving relative to physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis because it on average both reduces costs and improves outcomes. The results are relatively robust (consistent) when varying the cost of physical therapy and Tai Chi until extreme values were considered. The results suggest that reimbursement for Tai Chi as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis should be considered by health payers.

Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia: comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of tai chi interventions compared with aerobic exercise, a current core standard treatment in patients with fibromyalgia, and to test whether the effectiveness of tai chi...

Abstract MP34: Tai Chi Exercise is More Effective Than Brisk Walking in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the major modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tai Chi (TC) is safe and popular among older adults; yet direct comparisons between TC and brisk walking (BW) on reducing CVD risk factors are lacking. Methods: A total of 246 adults (mean age=64.4±9.8 years, 45.5% men) with hypertension and two other CVD risk factors (i.e., smoker, diabetic, dyslipidemia, or overweight) were randomly assigned to either TC (n=82), BW (n=82), or control (C, n=82) groups. The TC and BW groups had 150 minutes/week, moderate-intensity physical activity for three months; with home-based practice encouraged for another six months. The primary outcome was blood pressure (BP). Secondary outcomes were: fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoprotein, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and perceived stress. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention at 3-month, 6-month and 9-month follow-up assessments. Generalized estimating equations models compared changes in the outcomes over time between groups. Results: At baseline, average BP=141/81, smokers=11%, diabetics=58%, dyslipidemia=61%, average BMI=26; with no significant differences between groups. TC significantly lowered BP (systolic -13.33 mmHg; diastolic -6.45 mmHg), FBS (-0.72 mmol/L), HbA1c (-0.39%), and perceived stress (-3.22 score) at 9-months, compared to C group. Pairwise comparisons indicated significantly greater reductions in SBP (p&lt;0.001), DBP (p=0.049), FBS (p=0.001), HbA1c (p=0.002), and perceived stress (p=0.027) in TC group, compared to BW group. No significant changes in other CVD risk indicators over time between groups were observed. Conclusion: TC was better than BW in reducing several CVD risk factors, and can be recommended as a viable exercise to build a healthier life free of CVD.

Abstract P034: The Effectiveness of 12-week Tai Chi Training on the Migraine Attack Days, Body Composition, and Blood Pressure in Chinese Women With Episodic Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Tai Chi is a body-mind exercise. It’s prophylactic efficacy on migraine attack remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi training on the migraine attack days per month, body composition, and blood pressure (BP) in a sample of Chinese women with episodic migraine. Method: A two-arm randomized controlled trial was designed. Eighty-two local women aged 18 to 65 years and diagnosed with episodic migraine were randomized to the Tai Chi group or the waiting list control group. A modified 32-short form Yang-style Tai Chi training with 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks was adopted as intervention. An additional 12 weeks follow was conducted. The control group received a “delayed” Tai Chi training at the end of the trial. The difference in migraine days between 1 month before baseline, 3rd month (12nd week) and 6th month (24th week) after the randomization were examined. The changes in weight, body fat, and BP before and after the intervention were also analyzed. Results: Of 189 women screened, 82 eligible women completed the baseline assessment. After randomization, 9 women withdrew immediately, finally 40 in Tai Chi group and 33 in control group were involved in the analysis. On average, women in Tai Chi group had 3.6 (95% CI: -4.7 to -2.5, P&lt;0.01) days reduction of migraine attack. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). Tai Chi group also lost 0.6 kg of body weight and 0.6% of body fat at the 3rd month, and 10.8 mmHg systolic BP at the 6th month, respectively (all p&lt;0.001). The between-group difference of systolic BP was -6.9 mmHg (95% CI: -11.6 mmHg to -2.1mmHg, p&lt;0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed regarding weight and body fat at the 3rd month (all p&gt;0.05). Among Tai Chi group, change in systolic BP was significantly correlated to the change in migraine days (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The 12-week Tai Chi training significantly decreased the frequency of migraine attack and improved the systolic BP. The association between migraine attack reduction and BP improvement needs further investigations.

A mixed methods study of Tai Chi exercise for patients with chronic heart failure aged 70years and older.

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to evaluate Tai Chi group training among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) aged 70 years and older.BackgroundPhysical activity is recommended for CHF treatment. Tai Chi is found to be beneficial to different patient groups, although few studies focus on older patients with CHF.DesignA mixed methods study. Participants were randomly assigned to Tai Chi training twice a week for 16 weeks (N = 25) or control (N = 20). Quantitative data were collected at baseline, at the end of the training period and 6 months after training, assessing self‐rated fatigue and quality of life, natriuretic peptides and physical performance. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (N = 10) in the Tai Chi training group.ResultsNo statistical differences between the Tai Chi training group and the control group in quality of life or natriuretic peptides was found. After 16 weeks, the training group tended to rate more reduced activity and the control group rated more mental fatigue. Participants in the training group rated increased general fatigue at follow‐up compared with baseline. Qualitative interviews showed that Tai Chi training was experienced as a new, feasible and meaningful activity. The importance of the leader and the group was emphasized. Improvements in balance were mentioned and there was no physical discomfort.ConclusionTai Chi was experienced as a feasible and meaningful form of physical exercise for patients with CHF aged over 70 years despite lack of achieved health improvement. Further investigations, using feasibility and meaningfulness as outcome variables seems to be useful.

The Impact of Combined Music and Tai Chi on Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Persons: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTBackground: The effectiveness of pharmacological treatment may be limited in older persons. Several studies using Tai Chi or music therapy separately confirmed positive effects in the reduction of depressive symptoms. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of combined music and Tai Chi on depressive symptoms. Methods: One hundred and seven older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms were recruited from Ya'an city. Fifty-five participants were cluster randomized to combined music and Tai Chi group for three months, while the other fifty-two individuals were randomized to the control group that entailed routine health education delivered monthly by community nurses. The primary outcome of depressive symptoms was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) at baseline and monthly for three months. Results: At three-month follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms was found in the intervention group compared with control group (F(3,315) = 69.661, P < 0.001). Following adjustments for socio-demographic data, the true effect of intervention on depressive symptoms was significant (F = 41.725, P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.574). Conclusions: Combined music and Tai Chi reduced depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older persons. This represents an economically viable solution to the management of depression in highly populous developing nations.

Tai Chi Improves Cognition and Plasma BDNF in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Effects of Tai Chi (TC) on specific cognitive function and mechanisms by which TC may improve cognition in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI) remain unknown. Objective. To examine the effects of TC on cognitive functions and plasma biomarkers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) in a-MCI. Methods. A total of 66 older adults with a-MCI (mean age = 67.9 years) were randomized to either a TC (n = 33) or a control group (n = 33). Participants in the TC group learned TC with a certified instructor and then practiced at home for 50 min/session, 3 times/wk for 6 months. The control group received educational material that covered information related to cognition. The primary outcome was cognitive performance, including Logical Memory (LM) delayed recall, Block Design, Digit Span, and Trail Making Test B minus A (TMT B-A). The secondary outcomes were plasma biomarkers, including BDNF, TNF-α, and IL-10. Results. At the end of the trial, performance on the LM and TMT B-A was significantly better in the TC group compared with the control group after adjusting for age, gender, and education (P < .05). Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased for the TC group, whereas the other outcome measures were similar between the 2 groups after adjusting for age and gender (P < .05). Conclusions. TC training significantly improved memory and the mental switching component of executive function in older adults with a-MCI, possibly via an upregulation of BDNF.

Tai Chi for Reducing Dual-task Gait Variability, a Potential Mediator of Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and inform design features of a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of Tai Chi (TC) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to select outcomes most responsive to TC assessed during off-medication states.DesignTwo-arm, wait-list controlled RCT.SettingsTertiary care hospital.SubjectsThirty-two subjects aged 40–75 diagnosed with idiopathic PD within 10 years.InterventionsSix-month TC intervention added to usual care (UC) versus UC alone.Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes were feasibility-related (recruitment rate, adherence, and compliance). Change in dual-task (DT) gait stride-time variability (STV) from baseline to 6 months was defined, a priori, as the clinical outcome measure of primary interest. Other outcomes included: PD motor symptom progression (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]), PD-related quality of life (PDQ-39), executive function (Trail Making Test), balance confidence (Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). All clinical assessments were made in the off-state for PD medications.ResultsThirty-two subjects were enrolled into 3 sequential cohorts over 417 days at an average rate of 0.08 subjects per day. Seventy-five percent (12/16) in the TC group vs 94% (15/16) in the UC group completed the primary 6-month follow-up assessment. Mean TC exposure hours overall: 52. No AEs occurred during or as a direct result of TC exercise. Statistically nonsignificant improvements were observed in the TC group at 6 months in DT gait STV (TC [20.1%] vs UC [−0.1%] group [effect size 0.49; P = .47]), ABC, TUG, and PDQ-39. UPDRS progression was modest and very similar in TC and UC groups.ConclusionsConducting an RCT of TC for PD is feasible, though measures to improve recruitment and adherence rates are needed. DT gait STV is a sensitive and logical outcome for evaluating the combined cognitive-motor effects of TC in PD.

An Analysis of the Financing Methods of Chinese Listed Companies—Taking TaiChi Group as an Example

Raising funds is the starting point of the enterprise's production and management activities. The financing of enterprises involves many problems, among which the choice of financing means is a very important part. Taking TaiChi Group as an example, this paper discusses the financing characteristics of Chinese listed companies and analyzes the existing problems. Finally, it puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for the unreasonable financing preference of Chinese enterprises.

Effects of Tai Chi on balance and gait in stroke survivors: A systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To investigate the effects of tai chi on balance and gait in stroke survivors. A systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of tai chi on balance and gait in stroke survivors. Five randomized controlled trials, with a total of 346 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. All of these studies had a high bias based on the Cochrane Collaboration recommendation, and a relatively small sample size. In the pooled analysis, the tai chi group exhibited a significantly better gait ability than the control group, as evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (-0.26 [-0.50 to -0.03], p = 0.027; I2=0%, p = 0.682), but no significant difference in dynamic standing balance scores was found between tai chi and control groups (0.154 [-0.269 to 0.578], p = 0.475; I2=26.6%, p = 0.256). Tai chi may be beneficial for stroke survivors with respect to gait ability in the short term, but further large, long-term randomized controlled trials with standard evaluation indicators are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Acute Effects of Tai Chi Training on Cognitive and Cardiovascular Responses in Late Middle-Aged Adults: A Pilot Study.

This study explored the immediate effects of Tai Chi (TC) training on attention and meditation, perceived stress level, heart rate, oxygen saturation level in blood, and palmar skin temperature in late middle-aged adults. Twenty TC practitioners and 20 nonpractitioners volunteered to join the study. After baseline measurements were taken, the TC group performed TC for 10 minutes while their cognitive states and cardiovascular responses were concurrently monitored. The control group rested for the same duration in a standing position. Both groups were then reassessed. The participants' attention and meditation levels were measured using electroencephalography; stress levels were measured using Perceived Stress Scale; heart rate and blood oxygenation were measured using an oximeter; and palmar skin temperature was measured using an infrared thermometer. Attention level tended to increase during TC and dropped immediately thereafter (p < 0.001). Perceived stress level decreased from baseline to posttest in exclusively the TC group (p = 0.005). Heart rate increased during TC (p < 0.001) and decreased thereafter (p = 0.001). No significant group, time, or group-by-time interaction effects were found in the meditation level, palmar skin temperature, and blood oxygenation outcomes. While a 10-minute TC training could temporarily improve attention and decrease perceived stress levels, it could not improve meditation, palmar skin temperature, or blood oxygenation among late middle-aged adults.

Effects of Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation on aerobic endurance, psychosocial well-being, and cardiovascular risk reduction among patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tai Chi is an attractive exercise to improve cardiovascular health. This review aimed to synthesize articles written both in Chinese and in English to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation on aerobic endurance, psychosocial well-being and cardiovascular diseases risk reduction for coronary heart diseases patients. PRISMA guidelines were used to search major health databases to identify randomized controlled trials or non-randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated Tai Chi intervention compared with active or non-active control groups in coronary heart disease patients. When suitable, data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Tai Chi groups showed a large and significant improvement in aerobic endurance compared with both active and non-active control interventions (standard mean difference (SMD) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-1.66; p <0.001). Tai Chi groups also showed a significantly lower level of anxiety (SMD=9.28; CI: 17.46-1.10; p=0.03) and depression (SMD=9.42; CI: 13.59-5.26; p <0.001), and significantly better quality of life (SMD=0.73; 95% CI: 0.39-1.08; p <0.001) compared with non-active control groups. Significant effects of Tai Chi have been found in improving aerobic endurance and psychosocial well-being among coronary heart disease patients. Tai Chi could be a cost-effective and safe exercise option in cardiac rehabilitation. However, the effect of Tai Chi on cardiovascular disease risk reduction has not been amply investigated among coronary heart disease patients. Caution is also warranted in view of a small number of studies for this meta-analysis and potential heterogeneity in differences in the varied designs of Tai Chi intervention.

Effectiveness of Tai Chi training to alleviate metabolic syndrome in abdominal obese older adults: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem in Hong Kong and worldwide. Older adults (age ≥50 years), the age group with the highest prevalence of MetS, may prefer specific exercise modalities that are suitable for them to manage MetS. This study examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi to improve the MetS parameters in older adults with central obesity. MethodsIn this three-arm, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial, we recruited Chinese adults aged 50 years or older with central obesity (male participants with a waist circumference [WC] ≥90 cm and female participants with a WC ≥80 cm) from the Hong Kong community. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (who received no intervention), the fitness group (who received 12-week of generic fitness intervention), or Tai Chi group (who received 12-week of Yang-style Tai Chi intervention [three sessions weekly]). The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATPIII-defined MetS parameters and hip circumference were assessed before and after the experimental period. The primary endpoint was the change in WC at 12 weeks after randomisation. Data were analysed by generalised estimated equation (GEE) and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test. Written informed consent was obtained before the study began. All experimental procedures received human ethics approval (HSEARS20140928001). This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03107741. FindingsBetween March 10, 2016, and Nov 19, 2016, 142 Chinese adults were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=51), the fitness group (n=43), or the Tai Chi group (n=48). At 12 weeks after randomisation, ten (21%) of 48 participants in the Tai Chi group, seven (16%) of 43 participants in the fitness group, and five (10%) of 51 participants in the control group were no longer diagnosed with central obesity. Intervention × time effects were found in WC (GEE, p=0·020), indicating that the difference in change in WC between control, fitness, and Tai Chi groups after 12 weeks was associated with the interventions. WC was decreased by about 2% in the Tai Chi group while it was increased by about 1% in both the fitness and control groups. The decrease in WC in the Tai Chi group was significantly larger than that of the control group (One-way ANOVA, p=0·044) and fitness group (p=0·022). InterpretationA 12-week of Tai Chi training reduced central obesity indicated by the decrease in WC. The improvement in central obesity after Tai Chi training suggested that Tai Chi is a suitable exercise modality for older adults to manage central obesity, and thus to reduce the risk of associated diseases. FundingHealth and Medical Research Fund (12131841) of Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau.

Application and performance of Spanish language measures of the patient reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) in a community-based yoga pilot study with overweight and obese Latina breast cancer survivors

Studies have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation and Tai Chi are beneficial to patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is a major public health problem. The aim of this single-blind randomized controlled study was to compare the self-efficacy and quality of life parameters of COPD patients who underwent pulmonary rehabilitation with or without Tai Chi elements incorporated in the exercise component.192 COPD patients, recruited from four primary care clinics, satisfied the eligibility criteria and consented to randomization to either pulmonary rehabilitation program group (PRP) or the group with Tai Chi elements added to PRP (TC). Both groups received rehabilitation consisting of 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks with totally identical content except that Tai Chi exercises were added to TC group. Data collection was performed at baseline, 2 and 6-month post-intervention.Intention-to-treat analysis was performed for 192 subjects. Both groups did not differ in demographics and baseline variables except for COPD staging, mean FEV1, FEV1%-Pred, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire SGRQ activity score and COPD-CSES self-efficacy score. Statistical improvements were seen in exercise capacity, health status and self-efficacy within both groups at 6-month post-intervention. Although more favorable improvements in physiological outcomes and health status were demonstrated in Tai Chi group, only the functional exercise capacity showed statistical improvement between groups at 6 months post-intervention (β = 12.786 m; 95% CI = 3.794, 21.777; p = 0.006).The adjuvant effect of incorporating Tai Chi in pulmonary rehabilitation showed a modest complementary benefit in exercise capacity.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ContextTai Chi exercise has been shown to improve cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance in some cancer patients or survivors; however, such effects are yet to be verified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. ObjectivesTo explore the effects of Tai Chi exercise on CRF in NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy and then to evaluate ANS information indicated by heart rate variability parameters and their association with CRF. MethodsA randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi exercise was conducted from January 2014 to August 2015. Participants in the Tai Chi group practiced Tai Chi a one-hour session, five sessions/week during chemoradiotherapy. Participants in the control group received usual care. The primary end points were scores of the multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory–short form (MFSI-SF). Secondary end points were heart rate variability parameters, including normalized low-frequency (nLF) power, normalized high-frequency (nHF) power, and the nLF/nHF ratio, and their association with CRF. ResultsOne hundred fourteen patients were recruited in this study, and 83 patients completed the trial. The Tai Chi group and the control group had comparable baseline characteristics. After chemoradiotherapy, the Tai Chi group exhibited lower MFSI-SF total score and three negative subscale (general, physical, and emotional fatigue) scores and higher vigor score compared with the control group (P < 0.01 for all). The nLF/nHF ratio was significantly lower in the Tai Chi group compared to the control group after chemoradiotherapy. The MFSI-SF total score was markedly correlated with the nLF/nHF ratio. ConclusionTai Chi exercise is conducive to alleviate CRF in NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. The improvement in ANS balance might fit into the process of Tai Chi for CRF management in this population.

The benefits of Tai Chi and brisk walking for cognitive function and fitness in older adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of exercises with different cognitive demands for cognitive functions (Executive and non-Executive) in healthy older adults. A cross-sectional design was adopted. In total, 84 healthy older adults were enrolled in the study. They were categorized into the Tai Chi group (TG), the brisk walking group (BG) or the control group (CG). Each participant performed the Stroop task and a digit comparison task. The Stroop task included the following three conditions: a naming condition, an inhibition condition and an executive condition. There were two experimental conditions in the digit comparison task: the non-delay condition and the delay condition. The results indicated that participants of the TG and BG revealed significant better performance than the CG in the executive condition of cognitive tasks and fitness. There was no significant difference of reaction time (RT) and accuracy rate in the inhibition and delay conditions of cognitive tasks and fitness between the TG and BG. The TG showed shorter reaction time in the naming and the executive conditions, and more accurate in the inhibition conditions than the BG. These findings demonstrated that regular participation in brisk walking and Tai Chi have significant beneficial effects on executive function and fitness. However, due to the high cognitive demands of the exercise, Tai Chi benefit cognitive functions (Executive and non-Executive) in older adults more than brisk walking does. Further studies should research the underlying mechanisms at the behavioural and neuroelectric levels, providing more evidence to explain the effect of high-cognitive demands exercise on different processing levels of cognition.

Does Postural Awareness Contribute to Exercise-Induced Improvements in Neck Pain Intensity? A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Tai Chi and Neck Exercises.

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. This secondary analysis aims to examine associations of improvement of chronic neck pain with patients' and intervention-related characteristics. Previous research has found that Tai Chi and neck exercises significantly improved chronic nonspecific neck pain; however, the factors for treatment success remain unclear. Subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of group Tai Chi or conventional neck exercises, and they attended 12 weekly sessions of 60 to 90 minutes. The interventions included exercises to improve body awareness, that is, interoceptive and postural awareness. A linear forward stepwise regression analysis was conducted to examine associations with improvements in neck pain intensity. Potential predictor variables included baseline pain, age, sex, the type of intervention, attendance rate and home practice duration, and changes in psychological well-being, perceived stress, and postural and interoceptive awareness during the study. Overall 75 patients were randomized into Tai Chi or conventional exercises, with the majority being women (78.7%). Participants reported an average pain intensity of 50.7 ± 20.4 mm visual analog scale at baseline, and the average reduction of pain intensity in both groups was 21.4 ± 21.3 mm visual analog scale. Regression analysis revealed that reductions in pain intensity from baseline to 12 weeks were predicted by higher pain intensity at baseline (r = 0.226, P < 0.001), a decrease in anxiety (r = 0.102, P = 0.001), and an increase in postural awareness (r = 0.078, P = 0.0033), explaining a total of 40.6% of variance. Neck pain improvement was significantly associated with changes in postural awareness in subject with chronic nonspecific neck pain independent of treatment characteristics. Training of postural awareness might be an important mechanism of action of different exercise-based interventions for chronic neck pain. N /A.

The Effects of Twelve Weeks of Tai Chi Practice on Anxiety in Stressed But Healthy People Compared to Exercise and Wait-List Groups-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled trial was undertaken to determine whether 12 weeks of Tai Chi (TC) practice can reduce anxiety in healthy but stressed people. Fifty participants were randomized into TC (n=17), exercise (n=17), and wait-list (WL) groups (n=16). Outcome measures used were State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale 14 (PSS14), blood pressure and heart rate variability, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form 36. Significant improvements were observed from baseline for both TC and exercise groups for both state (p <0.01) and trait (p <0.01) anxiety, PSS14 (p <0.01), VAS (p <0.01), mental health domain (p <0.01), and vitality domain (p <0.01). Superior outcomes were also observed for TC when compared with WL for state and trait anxiety (p <0.01) and mental health domain (p <0.05). TC reduces stress levels in healthy individuals and provides a safer, cost effective, and less physically vigorous alternative to exercise.

Effects of tai chi on symptoms and quality of life in women with overactive bladder symptoms: A non-randomized clinical trial

IntroductionTai chi (TC) is a multicomponent mind-body exercise and TC may effectively alleviate the symptoms of diseases associated with the autonomic nervous systems. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of TC on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, overactive bladder symptoms (OABS), and the health-related quality of life (QoL) in adult women with overactive bladder (OAB). MethodsAdult women aged over 50 years with OAB were assigned (based on their preference) to receive either 12-weeks of tai chi (TC) (n=30) immediately or to be allocated to a wait-list group (n=25). The wait-list controls received the intervention after 12 weeks. TC included 20 movements combining Sun style and Yang style movements. Each session lasted 60min and was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks. The main outcomes were severity of OABS, QoL, ANS activity ResultsAfter 12 weeks of TC, the TC group improved significantly compared with the wait-list control group ; OABS (t=−5.647, p<0.001) and health-related QoL (t=3.774, p<0.001). But there were no significant differences in ANS activity between groups. ConclusionTC may be effective intervention for improving symptoms and QoL in women with OABS. Further randomized controlled trials comparing TC with other treatment are needed for assessing the long-term effects of TC. Moreover, the role of ANS on the OAB is not clear and other mechanisms of OAB need to be explored in future studies.